Marvel at the architectural feat of the cantilevered pool suspended at the 25th floor of this modern, all-glass Bangkok hotel. The pool has extended hours so guests can swim from sun-up until stars ...

When most travelers think of the perfect beach, they envision Southeast Asia, Mexico's Rivieras or a Caribbean island. But in fact some of the world's most incredible sandy extravaganzas are found in the United States. Here are four of the best and the Leading Hotels of the World that cater to them.

South Carolina:
Charleston offers some of the East Coast's best beaches, thanks to ideal water temperatures, soft sand and sunny weather. And while the historic town isn't typically considered "coastal", three magnificent options sit within quick drives from the city center. Sullivan's Island is the favorite among families or those looking for quiet relaxation in the sun. Folly Beach boasts a scene popular with teenagers and college-age kids, and Kiawah is known for its excellent golf courses. No matter which beach they choose, in-the-know visitors stay at the Market Pavilion Hotel, which features luxurious accommodations and gourmet dining, as well as the city's best rooftop bar scene.

Hawaii:
Waikiki Beach epitomizes Hawaii's white sandy beaches, tropical breezes and laid-back attitude. Honolulu's Halekulani, situated on five-acres of Waikiki, offers the amenities of a five-star resort-a luxurious spa, gourmet restaurants, expert concierge and even a stunning mosaic-tiled pool-located right on the famed swatch of sand. The hotel can arrange outrigger canoeing, sailing, snorkeling and surfing for those looking for a more active tropical experience.

Florida:

The boutique eighty-room Brazilian Court Hotel, located in a quiet residential area of Palm Beach, allows guests to feel like private homeowners in one of America's most exclusive communities. Complimentary pick-ups and drop-offs to the private Beach Club are available to guests, and beach chairs and umbrellas can be rented. The hotel can ensure guests are back home in time for the evening activities; after all, Palm Beach manages to combine elegance with beach time, allowing visitors to hang out in swimsuits by day and black tie by night.

Developed in the 1920s by the Vanderbilt family, Fisher Island Hotel & Resort sits on a 200-acre island three miles off of Miami's coast. Ideal for families with children of all ages, the property contains a nine-hole golf course, eighteen tennis courts, seven pools and two marinas. Unlike the nearby hotels of South Beach, the main mode of transportation in this community is golf cart, and beach activities are likely to include sandy soccer matches or sandcastle building contests. The Beach Club offers a luxury seaside experience, boasting a wide swatch of imported Bahamian sand and a wonderfully attentive staff.

Fisher Island Hotel & Resort, located within the luxurious, private residential island community of Fisher Island, offers guests the ultimate exclusive vacation. Accessible only by auto-ferry or yacht, the 216-acre resort features a private beach and beach club, nine-hole professional golf course, world class tennis center, marina, seven dining options, 4,000 square-feet of meetings space and a full-service spa. Complimentary golf carts are provided to guests for island transportation, as well as in-room Wi-Fi high speed Internet service and a 24-hour dedicated concierge.

Nestled on five acres of lush gardens fronting Gray’s Beach, the Halekulani (“house befitting heaven”) has long been synonymous with gracious Hawaiian hospitality. From humble beginnings a century ago, the hotel grew into a sophisticated destination for discerning guests like Clark Gable and Doris Duke and has remained the standard for polished service. Guests can lounge by the freshwater pool, which shimmers with a mosaic of 1.2 million pieces of blue South African glass, indulge in a traditional Lomi Lomi massage and dine at La Mer, the hotel’s much-praised French restaurant. The rooms, most with ocean views, are located in five buildings connected by courtyards.

Brimming with antebellum homes and true southern charm, the city of Charleston captures a slice of American history. Located just steps from the Waterfront Park in the epicenter Historic District, the elegant 19th-century style Market Pavilion Hotel is built on land formerly below sea level and many of the artifacts on display, including Revolutionary War-era bottles and historic artwork, were uncovered on the seabed. They now adorn the guest rooms and public areas and are beautifully merged with contemporary works. The cascading rooftop pool, unique in the city and the Pavilion Bar draw a stylish crowd who admire the unobstructed view of the harbor and city skyline, while those with a taste for fine dining enjoy the award-winning Grill 225 Prime Steakhouse, just off the hotel lobby.

Old-world glamour and Palm Beach-style reign at the Brazilian Court Hotel, which occupies a Mediterranean style villa, complete with lushly landscaped courtyards and flexible meeting and event space. Set in a historic neighborhood just three blocks from Worth Avenue’s boutiques and two blocks from the Atlantic Ocean, the Brazilian Court is the perfect getaway for those seeking an exclusive in-town location and maximum pampering. The hotel boasts both a Frédéric Fekkai Salon and an outpost of Daniel Boulud’s Café Boulud. Spacious guestrooms and suites are uniquely decorated, all featuring splendid mahogany millwork and imported fabrics. A nice touch is the warm welcome the hotel extends to pets, even offering a special pet package, complete with amenities and complimentary town car service to a local pet boutique.

Some urban hotels feel more like resorts thanks to such amenities as spas, pools and lounges. Staying at one of these Leading Hotels of the World is a perfect way to introduce a sense of leisure-or to extend summer-even if you're in town for business

As its reputation as a center for art and culture expands, Houston has revealed itself as more than just an oil hub. As such, every year it sees more visitors, many of them unaccustomed to the intense Texas heat. In-the-know travelers check into the Hotel Granduca, a cool oasis. With architecture inspired by a 16th-century Italian palace (the owner's nod to his heritage), offerings include afternoon iced tea in the Conservatory or frosty margaritas on The Veranda.

Korea's second busiest city, Busan is home to much of the country's shipping business. The Paradise Hotel & Casino is where to stay to add a little beachside elegance to meeting-heavy days. Besides having a stunning pool, the hotel has direct access to Haeundae Beach, a 7 ½ mile stretch of white sand. The hotel wellness area features natural springs as well as Le Bois Spa, which boasts private Jacuzzis and Hinoki baths, all ideal for starting or finishing a busy day.

Compared to Madrid, Barcelona's summer breezes can make the city feel downright temperate, but guests of the luxurious Grand Hotel La Florida are still relieved to have an opportunity to cool down after sightseeing or shopping. Sitting on a hillside twenty minutes from the city center, the hotel offers incredible views of Barcelona, particularly from its stainless-steel pool. The hotel has counted such big names as Ernest Hemingway as guests, unsurprising considering its old-world glamour.

Built in the 19th century by Marquis de Valle Flôr, Lisbon's Pestana Palace Hotel features indoor Scottish and Turkish baths, as well as a pool set amongst fairy-tale landscaping. Paths meander between secret gardens and pavilions that are adorned with frescoes and marble details. Amazingly, this castle-like property sits in the center of Lisbon.

From its location at one of the highest points of Barcelona, high atop Mount Tibiabo, the Gran Hotel La Florida offers sweeping views of Barcelona and the Mediterranean. Like its location, the hotel’s history is dramatic. It was built in 1925 by prestigious Noucentista architect Ramon Raventos, but closed during the Civil War and was converted into a military hospital in 1939. Reborn as a luxury property in the 1950’s, La Florida was restored combining traditional and avant-garde styles, both inside and out. The setting is perfect for romantics who appreciate the spaciously elegant rooms, lovely restaurant L’Orangerie, serving Catalan fare, and one of the city’s sexiest pools. This is the ultimate getaway to combine easy access to buzzing Barcelona and tranquil relaxation after sightseeing.

Houston is second only to New York in Fortune 500 companies and home to the world’s largest medical center. Hardly all-work-and-no-play, it boasts important collections of modern art, including the Menil Collection and the Montrose gallery district. Drawing on this mix of business and culture, Hotel Granduca Houston offers a luxurious base for both traveling executives and leisure guests. The Italian-style architecture pays homage to owner Giorgio Borlenghi’s native country. Wrought-iron chandeliers and rich tapestries evoke old-world splendor, while the spacious guestrooms, with original artwork and fully-equipped kitchens, are old world in style, yet state-of-the-art in luxury. Ristorante Cavour serves Northern Italian cuisine, including homemade pasta and an excellent selection of Tuscan wines.

The port city of Busan is South Korea’s second-largest metropolis, but its coastal location and beautiful beaches make it a popular retreat. Among the most favorite beaches is Haeundae, a twelve-kilometer stretch overlooking the Korea Strait, which is home to the Paradise Hotel & Casino. The hotel’s offerings are extensive, with pursuits from oceanic outdoor hot springs that use only abundant spa waters to an oriental spa treatment and ten acclaimed restaurants. Guests shouldn’t miss the microbrew at the quintessential British bar, Charlie’s Pub. The natural beauty of the mountain-meets-ocean landscape beckons. The sweeping vistas, including the mysterious Oryuk Islands, are admired from the hotel’s outdoor pools.

The Pestana Palace Hotel & National Monument, located in Lisbon, is a charming and historical capital with 800 years of cultural influences that mingle with modern trends and lifestyles to create spectacular contrasts. The Valle Flôr Palace, its construction ordered by the Marquis de Valle Flôr in the late-19th century, is surrounded by imposing tropical gardens that include the original lake and a superb pavilion with a series of paths that is the place for encounters of lovers and intrigue. As the Marquis also had a palace in Paris, it influenced his choice of decoration and selection of styles in the Valle -Flôr Palace. Frescoes, hand-painted tiles, marble and vintage design details are some of the valuable pieces of art that can be found in today’s Palace. It is classified as a National Monument and is an icon of excellence.